Hi, Last week I had a procedure called vertebroplasty because I had 4 spinal fractures, which were very, very painful. I still have pain but hope that will diminish over time. I will have to pick a program to rebuild my bones. My doctor is recommending Forteo, the daily injections, at a cost of $875 per month. Since I have no medical coverage for this I want to suggest to him an alternative. Does anyone have any suggestions. Some drugs that are quite popular seem to have many side effects. Will physical therapy help? I would apppreciate any suggestions and/or comments. Prior to these fractures I have been active (exercising 4 times per week) and now I'm completely helpless. I was also diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease last summer.
Mary

Hi gramary: Sorry that you've had so much trouble with fx's. I hope the vertebroplasty helps that problem and relieves your pain.

Eli Lily has a patient assistance program where you can get Forteo for 25.00 a mo, if you qualify. Call them and have them send you the applications etc, if you want to take Forteo.

I've been on Forteo for 22 mos and have had tremendous results with my t-score. I've had fx's too, but they didn't have vertebroplasty back then. I haven't had any further fx's since I've been on Forteo.

Good Luck (Eli Lily 1(866) 4forteo)

Gramary-some states now have medical insurance programs available for those who cannot get med insur. for various reasons. Besides checking with the drug co. as suggested, check too with your state and see if they have any med. insur options.

I am also looking for some information--experience from anyone who has had kyphoplasty. I'm 58 with a compression fracture at T11-12. I also have what they consider mild scoliosis, though it caused problems for me after back surgery many years ago. One of my concerns is the cement they use and what will happen to it after 10 years or more. I am also concerned about other fractures, especially because of the sciolosis if that area is stiff. I'd be glad for any comments or information.

Katherine 17 - I also had a T11-12 spinal fracture and underwent kyphoplasty in late October. Although I initially resisted doing the procedure, I am very glad I did it. It has relieved a lot of the pain although I find now - almost 7 months later - that a rigorous work schedule (lots of travel) can set off a lot of pain. So it's not a cure-all and don't let the docs give you that line which they like to do.

That said, if the fx isn't healing and you're in pain, the kyphoplasty is the way to go. Just make sure your doctor has done A LOT of these procedures and walks you through everything in advance - from procedure to recovery. They tend to give you false expectations that you will jump up from the operating table and be brand new and this simply isn't true. Allow yourself a good month or two to start to heal, feel better and move around more. I do feel stiffness in the area constantly and I never bend anymore - afraid to and been advised not to bend from the spine ever again.

There are other issues with a spinal fx - whether you do the kyphoplasty or not you are now at a much higher risk for additional fractures. There is some concern long-term whether the vertebrae surrounding the kyphoplasty will get weaker as a result but you're screwed either way - if you don't you 'll live in constant pain and put additional pressure on those vertebrae anyway.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted. It's scary I know and I've found the folks on this board to be an immensely helpful - and knowledgeable - support base.